The Monstrumologist series is a favorite of mine. Although I'm not generally a horror fan, and these books are pretty horrifying in places, they are also extremely well written, exciting, character-driven books. I think they have a lot of teen appeal and literary merit. Later books in a series can sometimes have trouble living up to their predecessors, but that's not the case here. The series just keeps getting better, and The Isle of Blood is the best one yet, by far. I plan to write a more detailed review of it soon.
Traditional fantasy fans will love The Floating Islands. Incredibly detailed and creative world building; well-developed magic system; great characters; beautiful writing with lots of sensory imagery; dragons! The two protagonists, a boy and a girl, are each outsiders in different ways, and each longs for a different life: Trei yearns to fly, which may not be allowed to someone from another land, and Araene wants to be a chef, an occupation forbidden to girls. As these two children struggle to make their way in the world, the book deals with themes of loss, loyalty, and being true to one's self.
Check out some other panelists' favorites.
Check out some other panelists' favorites.
6 comments:
I really liked Daughter of Smoke & Bone too. And a number of others that didn't make the list.
Precious Floating Islands-- I loved it!
I'm really proud of our shortlist; every book on it is terrific. But it's so hard to let favorites go. I learn so much from my fellow panelists, though, by hearing their thoughts on the different books. I don't always agree, but it's really an educational and eye opening experience discussing the books so intensely.
I'm glad you loved it, too, Charlotte!
It's so hard to make decisions with a group like that, but it's what makes the list so valuable! Thanks for posting about the ones that you loved and had to cut.
Thanks, Abby! I know you know what it's like!
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